System and method for remotely dispensing media discs having an inventory management system

ABSTRACT

A system for dispensing media discs comprising, in combination, a storage system for storing the media discs, a dispense system for dispensing the media discs to consumers, a disc transfer system for moving the media discs from the disc storage system to the dispense system, and a control system operably connected to the disc transfer system to selectively activate the disc transfer system to move the media discs from the disc storage system to the dispense system. An inventory management system is operably connected to the disc transfer system to selectively activate the disc transfer system to move selected ones of the media discs from the disc storage system to a holding location located outside the disc storage system for manual removal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention generally relates to systems andmethods for dispensing media discs and, more particularly, a kiosk-baseddistribution system and method for DVDs, CDs, video game discs, and thelike.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers typically want their entertainment on demand. The movie andvideo game rental industry has been dominated by brick-and-mortarstores. These brick-and-mortar stores are generally successful atmeeting this demand by stocking large quantities of each new release andmany older releases. However, the store locations may not be convenientfor all consumers.

Internet-based rental services are also known. These services permitconsumers to order videos via the internet and receive and return thevideos via overnight couriers or other delivery services. However, theconsumers must wait at least one day until they receive the videos evenif they are currently in stock.

Pay-per View video services are also known. These services permit cabletelevision and/or satellite television customers to select andimmediately view a video. However, these services offer only limitedselections to viewers during any given period of time.

Remote dispensing machines or kiosks for DVDs are also known. Thesekiosks enable the DVDs to be dispensed at locations convenient forconsumers. To date, however, these machines are limited in the number ofdiscs that can be stocked at any one time and thus may not have a movieor other digitally recorded entertainment that consumers demand whenthey demand it. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improvedsystems and methods for handling transactions involving media discs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for dispensing mediadiscs which overcomes at least some of the above-noted problems of therelated art. Disclosed herein is a system for dispensing media discscomprising, in combination, a storage system for storing the mediadiscs, a dispense system for dispensing the media discs to consumers, adisc transfer system for moving the media discs from the disc storagesystem to the dispense system, and a control system operably connectedto the disc transfer system to selectively activate the disc transfersystem to move the media discs from the disc storage system to thedispense system. An inventory management system is operably connected tothe disc transfer system to selectively activate the disc transfersystem to move selected ones of the media discs from the disc storagesystem to a holding location located outside the disc storage system formanual removal.

Also disclosed herein is a system for dispensing media discs comprising,in combination, a plurality of kiosks each including a storage systemfor storing the media discs, a dispense system for dispensing the mediadiscs to consumers, a disc transfer system for moving the media discsfrom the disc storage system to the dispense system, and a controlsystem operably connected to the disc transfer system to selectivelyactivate the disc transfer system to move the media discs from the discstorage system to the dispense system. An inventory management system isoperably connected to each of the kiosks to automatically activatetransfer of selected media disks between the kiosks.

Also disclosed herein is a system for dispensing media discs comprising,in combination, a storage system comprising a plurality of shelves forstoring the media discs, a dispense system for dispensing the mediadiscs to consumers, a disc transfer system for moving the media discsfrom the disc storage system to the dispense system, a control systemoperably connected to the disc transfer system to selectively activatethe disc transfer system to move the media discs from the disc storagesystem to the dispense system, and a user interface system operablyconnected to the control system. The storage unit is drum-shaped.

From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detaileddescription of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that the present invention provides asignificant advance in the technology and art of systems and methods forremotely dispensing media discs. Particularly significant in this regardis the potential the invention affords for providing large storagecapacities for media discs. Additional features and advantages ofvarious preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of thedetailed description provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further features of the present invention will be apparentwith reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a kiosk for dispensing media discsaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of the kiosk of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the kiosk of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, wherein somecomponents are removed for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, wherein somecomponents are removed for clarity;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of internal systems if the kiosk of FIGS. 1to 5, wherein an exterior housing is removed for clarity;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the internal systems of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a storage drum of the kiosk of FIGS. 1 to 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a single segment of the storage drum ofFIGS. 9 and 10, wherein three discs are stored therein;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the single segment of FIG. 11, whereinthe three discs are removed;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the single segment of FIGS. 11 and 12,wherein the three discs are removed;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a drive system for the storage drum ofthe kiosk of FIGS. 1 to 13;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, fragmented view taken from line 15-15 of FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a dispensing chute of the kiosk ofFIGS. 1 to 15;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged top plan view of the dispensing chute of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged elevational view of the dispensing chute of FIGS.16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is schematic view of a system of the kiosks of FIGS. 1 to 18;and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of multi-interface system for the kiosk ofFIGS. 1 to 19.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarilyto scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of variouspreferred features illustrative of the basic principles of theinvention. The specific design features of a kiosk as disclosed herein,including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations,and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intendedapplication and use environment. Certain features of the illustratedembodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others tofacilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thinfeatures may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. Allreferences to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, referto the orientation of the powered adjustable seat assembly illustratedin the drawings. In general, up or upward refers to an upward directionwithin the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and down or downward refers to adownward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1. Also ingeneral, fore or forward refers to a direction out of the plane of thepaper in FIG. 1 and aft or rearward refers to a direction into the planeof the paper in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those whohave knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many usesand design variations are possible for the improved systems and methodsdisclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of variousalternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the generalprinciples of the invention with reference to a preferred embodiment ofa system and method for dispensing prerecorded DVDs or other mediadiscs. Other embodiments suitable for other applications will beapparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In this specification and the claims, the term “media disc” is used tomean an optical storage format for digital information having a primaryuse of video, audio, and/or data storage such as, for example, a DVD(also known as a “Digital Versatile Disc” or a “Digital Video Disc”)including but not limited to different embodiments such as DVD-R, DVD+R,DVD-RAM, DVD-RW and DVD+RW, and the like and also including but limitedto different optical formats such as SD DVD, HD DVD, BLU-RAY DVD, andthe like, a CD (also known as a “Compact Disc”) including but notlimited to CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, SACD, VCD, SVCD, PhotoCD, Picture CD,CDi, Enhanced CD, and the like, and other like discs. A typical mediadisc is used to store media such as, movies, music, video games,software, or the like. By way of example, a standard CD is a disc ofalmost pure polycarbonate plastic, having a diameter of about 120 mm anda thickness of about 1.2 mm. Mini CDs have diameters ranging from about60 to about 80 mm. Media discs typically have a circular outer edge anda concentric center opening. In this specification and the claims, theterm “prerecorded media disc” is used to mean a media disc that hasalready been recorded with information such that it operates as readonly memory (ROM). In this specification and the claims, the term“uncovered media disc” is used to mean a media disc that is not locatedin a protective case, cover, sleeve or the like such that it is in acondition to be directly inserted into a standard optical disc drive(ODD) for reading.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate a remotedispensing machine or kiosk 10 for dispensing media discs according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated kiosk 10includes a cabinet or enclosure 12, a disc storage system 14 locatedwithin the enclosure 12 for storing a plurality of prerecorded mediadiscs 16, a disc identification system 18 for identifying theprerecorded media discs 16, a disc transfer system 20 for moving themedia discs 16 between desired locations within the enclosure 12 such asbetween the disc identification system 18 and the disc storage system14, a user interface system 22 for interfacing between a consumer andthe kiosk 10, and a control system 24 for automatically operating thevarious systems of the kiosk 10.

The illustrated enclosure 12 is generally rectangular shaped havingopposed front and back sides 26, 28, and opposed left and right sides30, 32 connecting the front and back sides 26, 28. The illustratedenclosure also includes a top end 34 and a bottom end 36. Theillustrated front side 26 is provided with portions of the userinterface system 22 as described in more detail hereinafter. Theillustrated top end 34 is provided with vents 38 for the intake anddischarge of air. The illustrated bottom end 36 is provided with asupport structure having a plurality of adjustable feet or supports 40so that the enclosure 12 can be adjusted to be substantially level. Theillustrated sides 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 form a hollow interior cavity forthe various systems and components as described in more detailhereinafter.

Located within the enclosure 12 above the disc storage system 14 is ahorizontally disposed stationary shelf or platform 42. The illustratedshelf 42 is located at a rear portion of the enclosure 12 and is sizedand shaped to permit the disc transfer system 20 to operate between theshelf 42 and the disc storage system 14 as described in more detailhereinafter. The illustrated shelf 42 is also provided with four discholding locations 44. It is noted that alternatively a greater or lesserof holding locations 44 can alternatively be utilized. Each holdinglocation 44 is adapted for temporarily holding a stack of the uncoveredmedia discs 16. The illustrated holding locations 44 each have threevertically extending rods 46 equally spaced about the periphery of themedia discs 16 so that a stack of media discs 16 can be secured withinthe rods 46 and an opening 48 in the shelf 42 sized and shaped tocooperate with the central opening in the media discs 16 so that themedia discs 16 can more easily picked up from the shelf 42 by thetransfer system 20, particularly when a single media disc 16 remains onthe shelf 42. It is noted that the holding locations 44 canalternatively have any other suitable configuration. Configured in thismanner, the inventory of the kiosk 10 can be serviced by removing stacksof the uncovered media discs 16 from the holding locations 44 through anaccess door in the back side 28 of the kiosk 10. Likewise, the inventoryof the kiosk 10 can be serviced by inserting stacks of the uncoveredmedia discs 16 into the holding locations 44 through the access door inthe back side 28 of the kiosk 10.

The illustrated disc storage system 14 includes a storage unit or drum50 located within the enclosure 12 below the shelf 42. The storage unit50 includes a plurality of horizontally disposed shelves 52 sized andshaped to support the uncovered media discs 16. The illustrated shelves52 are sized and shaped to each hold a single uncovered media disc 16.The illustrated storage unit 50 is generally cylindrical or drum shapedhave a vertically extending central longitudinal axis 54. Theillustrated shelves 52 collectively encircle the central longitudinalaxis 54. The illustrated shelves 52 are each closed at an outer side inthe radial direction and open on an inner side in the radial directionso that the media discs 16 are inserted and removed from the shelves 52within the storage unit 50.

As best shown in FIGS. 9 to 10, the illustrated storage unit 50 isformed by a plurality of storage segments 56. The illustrated storageunit 50 includes four annular rings of the segments 56 stacked one uponthe other. Each illustrated ring includes nine of the segments 56secured together side-by-side. Each illustrated segment 56 has fortyshelves 52 for holding forty of the uncovered media discs 16 (best shownin FIGS. 11 to 13). Thus the illustrated storage unit 50 includes 2880of the shelves 52 for a storage capacity of 2880 of the uncovered mediadiscs 16. It is noted that any other suitable quantity of rings per unit50, segments 56 per ring, or shelves 52 per segment 56 can alternativelybe utilized. It is also noted that the storage unit 50 can alternativelybe formed in any other suitable manner.

As best shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, each segment 56 includes a top wall 58and a bottom wall 60 with the shelves 52 vertically spaced aparttherebetween. A side wall 62 extends between the top and bottom walls58, 60 at the outer radial side and the lateral sides of the shelves 52so that only the inner radial side of the shelves 52 is accessible. Eachillustrated shelf 52 is formed by horizontally disposed a rim 64extending inwardly from the side wall 62. The upper side of the rim 64forms a horizontally extending, planar support surface for the mediadiscs 16. The rim 64 is sized and shaped to engage only by a portion ofthe media discs 16 near their outer peripheries (best seen in FIG. 13).Supported in this manner, nearly the entire upper and lower surfaces ofthe media discs 16 remain engageable by the transfer system 20. Each rim64 has a semi or half-circle shaped outer portion at the outer side ofthe segment 56 and straight inner portions inwardly extending in atangential manner with ends of the rear portion. The illustrated shelves52 are vertically spaced apart so that each shelf 52 can hold only oneof the uncovered media discs 16. Each segment 56 also includes a pair offlanges 66 at opposed lateral sides of the segment 56 for engagingadjacent segments 56. The illustrated flanges 66 are provided withopenings 68 for receiving mechanical fasteners to secure the segments 56together. It is noted that the segments 56 can alternatively be securedtogether in any other suitable manner. The top and bottom walls 58, 60of the segments 56 are provided with cooperating tongue and grooves 70,72 for positioning adjacent rings of the segments 56 relative to oneanother. It is noted that the rings of the segments 56 can be securedtogether in any suitable manner. The segments 56 can be formed of anysuitable material and in any suitable manner such as, for example, theycan be molded of plastic.

As best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the illustrated disc storage system 14also includes a drive assembly 74 for rotating the storage unit 50. Theillustrated drive assembly 74 includes an electric motor 76, a drivepinion 78 rotated by the motor 76, and a ring gear 80 secured to thestorage unit 50 and rotated by the drive pinion 78. The electric motor76 can be of any suitable type for precisely positioning the storageunit 50 relative to the transfer system 20 as desired such as, forexample, a stepper motor. The illustrated motor 76 is secured to thebottom structure with a mounting bracket 82 such that the output shaftof the motor 76 is vertically and downwardly extending. The drive pinion78 is operably connected to the output shaft of the motor 76 in anysuitable manner so that operation of the motor 76 rotates the drivepinion 78. A gear reduction assembly can be utilized therebetween ifdesired. The ring gear 80 is secured to the bottom of the storage unit50 in any suitable manner such as, for example, mechanical fasteners.The illustrated storage unit 50 is supported by a large diameter bearing84 located between the storage unit 50 and the bottom structure 36.Supported in this manner, the storage unit 50 is rotatable relative tothe bottom structure 36 about is vertical central axis 54. The drivepinion 78 engages the ring gear 80 so that selective operation of themotor 76 rotates the storage unit 50. It is noted that the driveassembly 74 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated disc identification system 18 includes an optical discdrive (ODD) or reader 86 for reading data recorded on the prerecordedmedia discs 16. When a prerecorded media disc 16 is inserted into theoptical disc drive 86, the optical disc drive 86 is activated to readdata recoded on the disc 16 which can be used to identify the disc 16.The optical disc drive 86 is in communication with the control system 24to provide the identity of the disc 16. The optical disc drive 86 can beof any suitable type for reading the media discs 16. It is noted thatmore than one optical disc drive 86 can be provided and/or more than onetype of optical disc drive 86 can be provided. For example, at least oneDVD drive and at least one CD drive may be needed if the kiosk isadapted to dispense both DVDs and/or CDs so the kiosk can dispensemovies, video games, and/or software. Also for example, at least one SDDVD drive and at least one HD DVD drive may be needed if the kiosk isadapted to dispense both standard definition and high definition DVDs.The illustrated kiosk 10 has four DVD optical disc drives 86 any othersuitable quantity and/or type can alternatively be utilized. Theillustrated optical disc drive 86 is located on the shelf 52 so that itis accessible by the disc transfer system 20 as described in more detailhereinafter. It is noted that any other suitable disc identificationsystem 18 can be additionally or alternatively utilized such as, forexample, a bar code reader, magnetic strip reader or the like can beutilized to read labels secured to the prerecorded media discs 16.

The illustrated disc transfer system 20 includes a first or uppertransfer device or robot 88 for transferring media discs 16 between theholding locations 44, the optical disc drive 86, and a hand-off ortransfer location 90 on the shelf 52 and a second or lower transferdevice or robot 92 for transferring media discs 16 between the transferlocation 90 and the storage unit 50 and from the storage unit 50 and toa discharge chute 94. The first and second transfer devices 88, 92 areeach in operable communication with the control system 24 to locate eachmedia disc 16 in a desired location. It is noted that the disc transfersystem 20 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated first transfer device or means 88 includes a verticallyextending and rotatable support or rail 96, a horizontally disposed arm98 vertically movable along the rail 96, and a gripper or grabber head100 secured to the arm 98 and movable toward and away from the rail 96.Configured in this manner the head 100 can be selectively moved in threedimensions. The illustrated rail 96 is secured to the upper side of theshelf 52 and is positioned so that the gripper head 100 can move themedia discs 16 between the holding positions 44, the transfer position90, and the optical disc drive 86. The rail 96 has a height adequate toraise the media discs 16 above the rods 46. It is noted that thetransfer position 90 is provided with holding rods 102 similar to theholding rods 46 of the holding positions 44 but they are much shorter inlength because the media discs 16 are not stacked at the transferlocation 90. The gripper head 100 can be of any suitable type toselectively grab and release a media disc 16 located on a stack of mediadiscs 16 or on the shelf 52 at the holding locations 44 and the transferlocation 90 on the shelf 52 and in the optical disc drive 86.

The illustrated second transfer device or means 92 includes a verticallyextending stationary support or rail 104, a horizontally disposed arm106 vertically movable along the rail 104, and a gripper or grabber head108 secured to the arm 106 and movable toward and away from the rail104. The illustrated rail 104 is positioned at the rotational axis 54 ofthe storage bin 50. The rail 104 extends the entire height of thestorage unit 50 and extends above the storage unit 50 so that the arm106 can be raised above the shelf 52 to the transfer location 90. Thearm 106 is circumferentially aligned with the transfer location 90 sothat the gripper head 108 can be moved toward and away from the transferlocation 90 and is circumferentially aligned with an inlet 110 of thedispense chute 94 so that the gripper head 108 can be moved toward andaway from the inlet 110 of the dispense chute 94. As the storage unit 50is rotated in position and the arm 106 is raised and lowered, the arm106 can be aligned with any one of the storage shelves 52 so that thegripper head 108 can be toward and away from the storage shelf 52 toinsert or remove the media disc 16. The gripper head 108 can be of anysuitable type to selectively grab and release a media disc 16 located onone of the storage shelves 52 and the transfer location 90 on the shelf52.

The illustrated dispense chute 94 is sized and shaped to transfer anuncovered media disc 16 from the inlet 110 located within the enclosure12 to an outlet 112 located outside the enclosure 12 at the front side26 of the enclosure 12. The illustrated dispense chute 94 receives ahorizontally oriented media disc 16 at the inlet 110 from the secondtransfer device 92, rotates the media disc 16 to a vertical orientation,and permits the media disc 16 to roll along its outer edge via gravityto the outlet 112 located outside the enclosure 12 for presentment tothe consumer. The inlet 110 is sized and shaped to receive ahorizontally-oriented uncovered media disc 16 therein from the secondtransfer device 92 and includes a lip or flange 114 at one side whichcause the media disc 16 to rotate from the horizontal orientation to avertical orientation via gravity when the media disc 16 is released bythe second transfer device 92. Once rotated, the media disc 16 issupported on a support wall 116 which inclines down toward the outlet114 so that the media disc 16 rolls down the support wall 116 on itsedge via gravity. Side walls 118 are positioned on opposed sides of thesupport wall 116 to maintain the media disc 16 in its verticalorientation as it rolls down the support wall 116. The media disc 16passes through a vertically oriented slit 120 as it exits the enclosure12 and is presented to the consumer at a holding bin 122. Theillustrated kiosk 10 also includes a sleeve dispensing device 124wherein a protective sleeve is dispensed from the enclosure 12 through ahorizontally extending slot 126 so that the consumer can insert theuncovered media disc 16 that is dispensed into the protective sleeve.The protective sleeve can be of any suitable type.

The illustrated user interface system 22 includes a touch video screen128 and an audio system wherein audio visual information can bepresented to the customer and the customer can input information to thecontrol system 24 by touching the screen 128 at indicated positions andtimes. The illustrated user interface system 22 also includes a magneticcard reader 130 suitable for reading standard credit and debit cards ofthe consumer. The illustrated card reader 130 is located adjacent thetouch video screen 128 but can alternatively be at any other suitablelocation. The illustrated user interface system 22 also includes areceipt printer 132 that prints and dispenses a transaction receipt tothe consumer through a horizontal slot 134 in the enclosure 12. It isnoted that the user interface system 22 can alternatively have any othersuitable configuration.

The illustrated control system 24 includes suitable memory means,processing means and communication means for operating the varioussystems and components of the kiosk 10 in the desired manner. Theillustrated control system 24 is operably connected to the driveassembly 74 of the disc storage system 14, the optical disc drive 86 ofthe disc identification system 18, the first and second transfer devices88, 92 of the disc transfer system 20, the touch video screen 128, audiosystem, card reader 130, and receipt printer 132 of the user interfacesystem 22, and the sleeve dispensing device 124.

To load the kiosk 10 with media discs 16, a desired quantity ofuncovered media discs 16 are stacked into the holding stations 44. Thecontroller 24 activates the first transfer device 88 to pick up one ofthe media discs 16 from one of the holding stations 44 and moves themedia disc 16 to the optical disc drive 86. Once the media disc 16 is inthe optical disc drive 86, the controller 24 activates the disc drive 86so that the disc drive 86 reads at least a portion of the prerecordedinformation on the media disc 16 to provide the controller 24 with theidentification of the media disc 16. The controller 24 activates thefirst transfer device 88 to pick up the media disc from the optical discdrive 86 and to move the media disc 16 to the transfer location 90. Oncethe media disc 16 is in the transfer location 90, the controller 24activates the second transfer device 92 pick up the media discs 16 fromone of the transfer station 90 and moves the media disc 16 to a desiredlocation in the storage unit 50. The controller 24 stores in memory thelocation of the media disc 16 in the storage unit 50 for laterdispensing or removal. The above process is continued until each of theloaded media discs 16 are identified and stored in the storage unit 50.Whenever t is desired to remove media discs 16 from the kiosk 10, theprocess is reversed to move desired media discs 16 from the storage unit50 to the holding stations 44.

When a customer desires to obtain a media disc 16 from the kiosk 10, thecustomer interacts with the touch video screen 128 to select a desiredmedia disc or discs 16. Once a media disc is selected, the controller 24instructs the customer via the video screen 128 to swipe a credit ordebit card in the magnetic card reader 130. Once swiped, the controller24 obtains authorization for the transaction. If the transaction isauthorized, the controller 24 activates the second transfer device 92 toretrieve the desired media disc 16 from the storage unit 50 and depositthe media disc 16 at the dispense chute 94. The dispense chute 94receives the horizontally oriented media disc 16 at the inlet 110 fromthe second transfer device 92, rotates the media disc 16 to a verticalorientation so that the media disc 16 rolls along its outer peripheraledge via gravity to the outlet 112 located outside the enclosure 12 forpresentment to the customer. The controller 24 also activates thereceipt printer 132 to print a receipt of the transaction and dispensethe receipt through the slot 134 to the customer. The controller 24further activates the sleeve dispensing machine 124 to dispense aprotective sleeve through the slot 136 to the customer. The customer canthen pick-up the receipt, protective sleeve, and the media disc 16 andinsert the media disc 16 into the protective sleeve.

As best shown in FIG. 19, the control system 24 of the kiosk 10 is alsoin communication with a central inventory management system 136 and apayment authentication service 138 via the Internet 140. It is notedthat the communication can alternatively be by any other suitable meanssuch as, the public switched telephone network, an intranet, or thelike. The central inventory management system 136 automatically tracksand coordinates the inventory of the media discs 16 and transactions ofthe kiosks 10 in the distribution system. The inventory managementsystem 136 is operably connected to the disc transfer system 20 of eachkiosk 10 to selectively activate the disc transfer system 20 to moveselected ones of the media discs from the disc storage system 14 to theholding stations 44 located outside the disc storage system 14 butwithin the kiosk 10 for manual removal from the kiosk 10. Once the kiosk10 transfers and stacks the selected media discs 16 at the holdingstations 44, an employee or agent etc. goes to the kiosk 10 to retrievethe selected discs 16 from the holding locations 44 through the accessdoor. The selected discs are taken to a central location and resorted sothat they can be manually taken back to selected kiosks 10 toredistribute the media disks among the kiosks. The media disks 16 areloaded into the kiosks 10 as described hereinabove. The inventorymanagement system 136 is operably connected to each of the kiosks 10 toautomatically activate transfer of selected media disks 16 between thekiosks 10 based on predetermined conditions such as transactionhistories among the kiosks 10 and/or inventory levels among the kiosks10. The inventory management system 136 is programmed to automaticallydetermine which media discs 18 needs to be removed from the kiosks 10and automatically directs the kiosks 10 to stack them up for manualremoval. The inventory management system 136 reviews current inventorylevels among the kiosks 10, determines the desired distribution amongthe kiosks 10 and then initates the transfer of media discs to obtainthe desired distribution among the kiosks 10. The desired distributionplaces media discs 16 at locations which are most likely to give apositive return on investments. The inventory management system 136determines which media discs 16 should be pulled from a kiosk 10 becausethe return on investment is less likely to be positive at that kiosk 10than at another kiosk 10. Thus the inventory management system 136 looksat where all the media discs 16 in the system are located and where theyshould be and initiates transfer to get the discs where they should befor maximized return. For example, if kiosk A has too many copies of aDVD of Pirates II (there is a large quantity and/or a history of a lownumber of transactions for that particular DVD) and kiosk B does nothave enough copies of the DVD of Pirates II (there is a low quantity ofthat particular DVD and/or a history of a high number of transactionsfor that particular DVD), the inventory management system 136automatically initiates the transfer of a copy or copies of Pirates IIfrom kiosk A to kiosk B. The payment authentication service 138 enablesthe kiosks 10 to authenticate the credit and debit cards of theconsumers during transactions in a known manner.

FIG. 20 illustrates a multi-interface kiosk system 200. The kiosk system200 includes the kiosk 10 described hereinabove but the user interfacesystem 22 also includes a plurality of content browsing and selectingstations 202 each including a touch video screen 128 and a card reader130 which are operably in communication with the kiosk 10. It is notedthat the interface stations can additionally include any other suitableuser interface devices such as, for example, a bar code reader, keypad,or the like. Configured in this manner, a plurality of consumers cansimultaneously browse media content, select media content, etc. at oneof the user interface stations 202 and then go to the kiosk 10 tocomplete their transaction by receiving their media disc 16. Preferably,each station includes a receipt printer 132 which includes a code numberor bar code which can be taken to the kiosk 10 by the customer so thatthe customer's media disc 16 is dispensed to the customer in the abovedescribed manner when the customer inputs the code or scans the barcode. The plurality of content browsing and selecting stations 202prevents excessive waits for consumers caused by a single consumerbrowsing for an excessive period of time while minimizing the number ofkiosks 10 that are needed at the location. While the illustratedstations 202 are located adjacent the kiosk 10, it is noted that thestations 202 can be located in any desired location such as, forexample, the stations 202 could be located throughout a store with thekiosk 10 located near the exit or the stations 202 could be locatedoutside a store such as near gas pumps with the kiosk 10 located withinthe store.

It is apparent from the forgoing that the present invention providesimproved systems and methods that improve storage density of the kiosk10, that is a greater quantity of media discs 16 can be stored withoutincreasing the size of the kiosk 10, so that an increased number ofmedia discs 16 can be stored within the kiosks 10. Additionally, thedisclosed systems and methods can improve the ability of the kiosks 10to have inventory that is likely desired by the consumers visiting thatkiosk 10. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods can decreasethe wait time of consumers at the kiosks 10.

From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certainpreferred embodiments, it is also apparent that various modifications,additions and other alternative embodiments are possible withoutdeparting from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. Theembodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the bestillustration of the principles of the present invention and itspractical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the artto utilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the presentinvention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted inaccordance with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, andequitably entitled.

1. A system for dispensing media discs comprising, in combination: astorage system for storing the media discs; a holding system for storingfirst selected ones of the media discs removed from the storage systemand second selected ones of the media discs to be added to the storagesystem including a shelf, media disc retainers defining a holdinglocation on the shelf, and a transfer location on the shelf; a dispensesystem for dispensing the media discs to consumers; a first disctransfer system for moving the media discs from the disc storage systemto the dispense system, for moving the first selected ones of the mediadiscs from the storage system to the transfer location, and for movingthe second selected ones of the media discs from the transfer locationto the storage; a second disc transfer system for moving the firstselected ones of the media discs from the transfer location to theholding location, and for moving the second selected ones of the media acontrol system operably connected to the first and second disc transfersystems, wherein the control system selectively activates the first disctransfer system to move the media discs from the disc storage system tothe dispense system, to move the first selected ones of the media discsfrom the disc storage system to the transfer location, and to move thesecond selected ones of the media discs from the transfer location tothe storage system, and wherein the control system selectively activatesthe second disc transfer system to move the first selected ones of themedia discs from the transfer location to the holding location, and tomove the second selected ones of the media discs from the holdinglocation to the transfer location; and an inventory management systemoperably connected to the first and second disc transfer systems toselectively activate the first and second disc transfer systems to movethe first selected ones of the media discs from the disc storage systemto the holding location for manual removal, and to selectively activatethe first and second disc transfer systems to move the second selectedones of the media discs from the holding location to the disc storagesystem.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the holding locationis accessible through an access door through which the first selectedones of the media discs are manually removed and the second selectedones of the media discs are manually inserted.
 3. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of the holding locations. 4.The system according to claim 1, wherein the inventory management systemis preprogrammed to automatically move media discs to the holdinglocations based on predetermined conditions.
 5. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the storage system is configured to store uncoveredmedia discs.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the media discsare prerecorded media discs.
 7. A system for remotely dispensing mediadiscs comprising, in combination: a plurality of kiosks each including astorage system for storing the media discs; a holding system for storingfirst selected ones of the media discs removed from the storage systemand second selected ones of the media discs to be added to the storagesystem including a shelf, media disc retainers defining a holdinglocation on the shelf, and a transfer location on the shelf; a dispensesystem for dispensing the media discs to consumers; a first disctransfer system for moving the media discs from the disc storage systemto the dispense system, for moving the first selected ones of the mediadiscs from the storage system to the transfer location, and for movingthe second selected ones of the media discs from the transfer locationto the storage; a second disc transfer system for moving the firstselected ones of the media discs from the transfer location to theholding location, and for moving the second selected ones of the mediadiscs from the holding location to the transfer location; and a controlsystem operably connected to the first and second disc transfer systems,wherein the control system selectively activates the first disc transfersystem to move the media discs from the disc storage system to thedispense system, to move the first selected ones of the media discs fromthe disc storage system to the transfer location, and to move the secondselected ones of the media discs from the transfer location to thestorage system, and wherein the control system selectively activates thesecond disc transfer system to move the first selected ones of the mediadiscs from the transfer location to the holding location, and to movethe second selected ones of the media discs from the holding location tothe transfer location; and an inventory management system operablyconnected to each of the kiosks to automatically activate transfer ofselected media discs between the kiosks.
 8. The system according toclaim 7, wherein the inventory management system selectively activatesthe first and second disc transfer systems to move the first selectedones of the media discs from the disc storage system to the holdinglocation for manual removal from the kiosk, and to move the secondselected ones of the media discs from the holding location to the discstorage system.
 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the holdinglocation is accessible through an access door.
 10. The system accordingto claim 8, wherein there are a plurality of the holding locations. 11.The system according to claim 8, wherein the inventory management systemis preprogrammed to automatically move media discs to the holdinglocations based on predetermined conditions.
 12. The system according toclaim 7, wherein the inventory management system is preprogrammed toautomatically move media discs between kiosks based on predeterminedconditions.
 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the storagesystem is configured to store uncovered media discs.
 14. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the media discs are prerecorded mediadiscs.